NCJ Number
222230
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2008 Pages: 47-55
Date Published
January 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined self-reported lifetime antisocial behavior, family of origin violence, and impulsivity/behavioral disinhibition of men during treatment for partner violence.
Abstract
The study found that generally violent (GV) men were characterized by a lifelong pattern of violence against others and antisocial behavior. This pattern was seen in greater violence directed by GV men against others and their families of origin, as well as more conduct disordered and delinquent behavior in late childhood and adolescence. This pattern continued during adulthood, with greater antisocial behavior, general violence, and partners’ psychological abuse. GV men were also characterized by greater behavioral disinhibition, though group differences on impulsivity only approached significant. Findings regarding early childhood experiences of witnessing and being the victim of family violence, and engaging in conduct disordered and delinquent behavior during adolescence mediated the relationship between early experiences in the home and later perpetrating IPV as an adult. Some research has suggested that a distinction between psychopathic batterers and others be made with impulsivity being a primary defining characteristic of the psychopath. The present study lends some support to the idea that there is a subgroup of batterers with psychopathic tendencies such as greater impulsivity/behavioral disinhibition, and more antisocial behavior. Findings suggest that interventions tailored to the underlying temperament of GV men should be incorporated with traditional treatment. Data were collected from a sample of 73 men entering a university-based treatment center for partner violence. Tables, references